Seven British Members of Parliament headed the Simon Commission. It was sent to India in 1928 to examine the Government of India Act 1919. Moreover, it was to propose constitutional amendments, and offer suggestions to the government.

The Indian Statutory Commission was the initial name of the Commission. Later on, it became known as the Simon Commission, after Sir John Simon, who served as its chairman. The Simon Commission was appointed by Lord Irwin, the Viceroy of India.

Background of the Simon Commission

The Government of India Act 1919 promised that a commission would be appointed after 10 years to review the work and progress made. This commission would make recommendations for the amendments in the Government of India Act.

Why did the Indians refuse or boycott the Simon Commission?

The Indian National Congress and All-India Muslim League boycotted the Simon Commission because all the members of the commission were English. It did not include any Indians. Therefore, people all over India welcomed it with the slogan “Simon Go Back”.

Furthermore, people organized strikes all over India against the commission.  Police started beating people who participated in these strikes. Consequently, Lala Lajpat Rai died from the injuries during a clash with the police. However, the commission never stopped working.

Report of the Simon Commission

The Simon Commission published its report in 1930. Its recommendations are given below.

1. The diarchy system in the provinces should be abolished and all the portfolios should be given to the provincial ministers.
2. The powers of the central government and the provincial governors should be reduced.
3. In India, a federal form of government ought to be introduced.
4. It is necessary to form an expert group to discuss the division of Sindh from Bombay.

Conclusion

The report was not accepted by the Indians because the commission did not include any Indians. Therefore, it lacked the Indian point of view. It also did not say anything about reforms in Balochistan and the North Western Frontier Province. Finally, Indians rejected the report because the provision of self-rule in India, which the Indians demanded through the Lucknow Pact, was missing in the report.